Addressing Social and Cultural Determinants of Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Chronic Disease Programs: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to assess, synthesise and analyse the evidence to understand whether chronic disease programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples address social and cultural health determinants and what strategies are being used to achieve them. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, ProQuest and Web of Science to identify studies between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2022 using combinations of subject headings and keywords related to ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’ and ‘chronic disease’. Data were synthesised using descriptive analysis. Results: This review identified that chronic disease programmes focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people did not adequately address social and cultural determinants with adequate scope and depth. Cultural determinants were more frequently addressed, although there was a distinct reliance on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Practitioners to meet cultural needs. Conclusions: This research highlights an unmet need to address the social and cultural determinants of health, thereby meeting the holistic needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Implications for Public Health: Flexible funding for chronic disease programmes, frameworks to guide the design and implementation and reporting standards for research are essential to addressing social and cultural determinants. Show more